Byrne And Daly Among The Changes For Leinster ‘A’

There are four changes to the Leinster ‘A’ team to face Ealing Trailfinders this Saturday in the British & Irish Cup at Vallis Way (kick-off 3pm).

Peadar Timmins will captain the side in the second of the back-to-back games with the English Championship outfit. Leinster ‘A’ went four points clear at the top of Pool 1 after defeating Ealing 45-13 at Donnybrook last Friday.

There are two changes to the back-line from last weekend’s win. Adam Byrne comes onto the right wing to replace Darragh Fanning, and his Ireland Sevens international colleague Tom Daly starts at inside centre.

Oisin Heffernan is named at tighthead prop in place of Michael Bent, with Peter Dooley and hooker Bryan Byrne retained in the front row.

Ross Molony comes into the second row in place of Gavin Thornbury. Leo Cullen confirmed at Thursday’s media briefing in Leinster HQ that Thornbury underwent surgery on a torn pectoral muscle on Wednesday and will be out for 12 to 16 weeks.

LEINSTER ‘A’ (v Ealing Trailfinders): Cian Kelleher; Adam Byrne, Collie O’Shea, Tom Daly, Mick McGrath; Cathal Marsh, Charlie Rock; Peter Dooley, Bryan Byrne, Oisin Heffernan, Tadhg Beirne, Ross Molony, Josh Murphy, Dan Leavy, Peadar Timmins (capt).

Replacements: Aaron Dundon, Jeremy Loughman, David O’Connor, Tony Ryan, Matthew D’Arcy, Steve Crosbie, Ian Fitzpatrick.